STEVE PRESCOTT MBE Man of Steel Brad O’Neill has described winning the coveted award as surreal, but concedes it doesn’t compensate for Wigan missing out on the Grand Final.
O’Neill beat teammate Adam Keighran and Leeds’ fullback Lachlan Miller for the award on Tuesday.
“It’s surreal, a special moment for me and my family,” he said.
“I feel like you’ve always got the chance of winning something, but you’re not too sure. You’re up against two really quality players in Lachie Miller and Adam Keighran.
“Whichever way it went, if it went to one of those two, I wouldn’t have been surprised. Adam being shortlisted is just a reflection on the group and the years that we’ve had. And we’ve had a lot of players who could have been nominated.
“It just shows how special the group is doing.”
O’Neill is in his sixth year in Wigan’s first-team and this season helped the Warriors to a double with the Challenge Cup and the League Leaders’ Shield.
But the hooker says being named Man of Steel is very different to winning a Grand Final.
“It doesn’t compensate for it, it’s still hurting [the semi-final defeat],” he said.
“It’s never a nice feeling, getting beat. I feel like this is a different type of achievement; it’s something away from the team and the club.
“I feel like it doesn’t compensate; it still hurts, but also I’m very proud. It’s onwards and upwards, keep on looking forward and keep on working hard and learning.”
The 24-year-old has already had his fair share of struggles in his career, suffering two ACL tears and a horrific injury in his amateur days.
“I’ve had two ACLs, one in each leg,” he explained.
“I lacerated my liver and broke my ribs when I was a young kid as well, so I’ve had my fair share of them. Maybe I didn’t think I would carry on playing at the time, but back then it was my family and the support that I had around me that pushed me and kept guiding me in the right direction.”
